Where Darkness Learned Breath by Rylor Dusk 116

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Aria’s POV 

“It’s a statement.” Damien’s voice came from the 

doorway. He was already dressed in a perfectly tailored tuxedo that made my mouth go dry. “And you need to make one.” 

I turned away from how good he looked. “I’m announcing a corporate merger, not walking a 

runway.” 

“You’re doing both.” He moved into the room. “Every major player in Ravenwood will be there tonight. Sterling Industries, Marcus’s potential allies, the board members we need to convince. Aria, you can’t show up looking like you’re not confident in this merger.” 

“I am confident.” I grabbed the dress off the hanger. “I just don’t need to advertise it with my cleavage.” 

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“The dress is perfectly tasteful,” Olivia said. “And you have amazing cleavage. Use it.” 

“I hate both of you.” But I headed toward the bathroom to change. 

“Love you too!” Olivia called after me. 

Ten minutes later, I stood in front of the full–length mirror, barely recognizing myself. The red silk hugged every curve, the neckline low but elegant, the slit in the skirt revealing just enough leg to be devastating. My hair fell in dark waves over my shoulders, and with the diamond 

earrings Damien had insisted I borrow, I looked 

like… 

“You look like a CEO who could buy and sell everyone in that room twice over,” Olivia said softly, appearing behind me. “You look like the woman who conquered Europe’s tech sector and came home to claim what’s hers.” 

“I look terrified.” My voice was quiet. 

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“You look powerful.” She squeezed my shoulders. “And Damien’s not going to be able to keep his 

hands off you, which is entertaining for those of us watching.” 

“We’re not” I started. 

“You’re living together, having sex, raising a child together, merging companies together.” She raised an eyebrow. “At what point do we stop pretending you’re ‘not together“?” 

I didn’t have an answer for that. 

When I emerged from the bedroom, Damien was pacing in the living room, checking his phone. He looked up, and the expression on his face made my pulse race. “Aria.” His voice was rough. “You’re” 

“If you say ‘gorgeous‘ I’m changing back into my suit,” I warned. 

“I was going to say ‘devastating.“” His eyes 

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traveled slowly down my body and back up. “But gorgeous works too.” 

“Mama, you look like a princess!” Noah ran over from where he’d been playing with his dinosaurs. “Like the pretty ones in my books!” 

“Thank you, baby.” I knelt carefully in the dress to hug him. “You be good for Dora tonight, okay?” 

“I will.” He hugged me tight. “And Mama? You and Daddy look like you’re going to a wedding.” 

“Just a boring business party.” I kissed his forehead. 

“Mr. Peterson says when grown–ups dress up fancy, it means something important is happening.” Noah looked between us seriously. “So this must be really important.” 

“It is,” Damien said, crouching beside us. “Your mama and I are telling everyone that we’re partners now. In business.” 

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“And in family?” Noah asked hopefully. 

“We’re working on it, buddy.” Damien ruffled his hair. “Now, you have fun with Dora and we’ll tell you all about the boring party tomorrow.” 

“It’s not boring if you’re dressed like that,” Noah said matter–of–factly. 

****** 

The car ride to the Ravenwood Grand Hotel was tense. Damien kept glancing at me, his hand resting possessively on my thigh through the slit in my dress. 

“You need to stop looking at me like that,” I said quietly. 

“Like what?” His voice was innocent. 

“Like you’re planning to skip the gala entirely and take me back home.” 

“The thought crossed my mind.” His fingers 

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traced small circles on my skin. “You’re making it very difficult to concentrate on business. 

strategy.” 

“That’s not the plan.” I caught his hand. “The plan is: arrive, make joint announcement, schmooze with board members, deflect questions about our personal relationship, and leave. Professional. Clean. Simple.” 

“When has anything between us ever been simple?” His thumb brushed against my wrist. 

“Tonight it will be.” I pulled my hand away as the car stopped. “Because we’re partners and we’re presenting a united front. Nothing more.” 

“Whatever you say.” But his smile suggested he didn’t believe me. 

The gala was already in full swing when we arrived. The Ravenwood Grand’s ballroom glittered with chandeliers, designer dresses, and enough combined wealth to buy a small country. 

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Cameras flashed as we entered. 

“Mr. Blackwood! Ms. Monroe!” Reporters called out. “Is it true about the merger?” 

“Are you back together?” 

“What about your son?” 

Damien’s hand found the small of my back, warm and steadying. “We’ll be making an 

announcement shortly. Please enjoy the evening until then.” 

He guided me through the crowd with practiced ease, stopping to greet important figures, introducing me to board members I hadn’t met. His hand never left my back, that possessive touch that made everyone assume we were more than business partners. 

“You’re doing the thing,” I murmured as we moved toward the bar. 

“What thing?” 

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“The proprietary hand placement thing” I glanced at where his palm pressed against my spine. “Everyone’s going to think we’re sleeping together.” 

“Aren’t we technically living together?” His lips quirked. “Same house, co–parenting, business partners.lest I forget we did indeed have hot passionate sex a few times, so I don’t care technically people can think what they want.” 

“Damien” 

“Champagne?” A waiter appeared with a tray. “Thank you.” I took a glass gratefully. 

“Ms. Monroe.” A smooth voice interrupted. “I have to say, you look absolutely stunning tonight.” 

I turned to see Lucas Hayes approaching, devastating in his own right in a charcoal tuxedo. The fabric fit him perfectly, tailored to emphasize his athletic build. Beside me, I felt Damien stiffen, 

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his entire body going rigid. 

“Lucas.” I smiled genuinely. “I didn’t know you’d be 

here.” 

“Hayes Tech just secured a major investment from one of the sponsors.” His eyes were warm, but I noticed them flick past me toward the bar where Olivia stood talking to another guest. “Though I have to admit, I’m more interested in hearing about this merger everyone’s buzzing 

about.” 

He stepped closer, his shoulder almost brushing mine, but his gaze drifted again to Olivia. The scent of his cologne–woodsy and expensive— wafted between us. I felt Damien’s hand press harder against my back, his fingers spreading possessively across the silk. 

“We’re announcing details shortly.” Damien’s voice was cool, controlled, but I heard the edge beneath it. “But I’m sure as a fellow CEO, you 

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understand strategic discretion until contracts are signed.” 

“Of course.” Lucas’s smile widened, and there was something in his eyes–amusement, mischief. He was deliberately baiting Damien. “Though I have to say, Blackwood, you’re a lucky man. Aria’s business acumen is legendary. Monroe Global’s growth trajectory is impressive.” 

He turned more fully toward me, effectively angling his body to block Damien slightly, but I caught him checking over his shoulder again. Making sure Olivia could see? Or just unable to help himself? 

“I’ve been following your work for years, Aria. The way you broke into the Asian markets? Brilliant. And that acquisition of Zenith Corp last year was masterful.” His tone was professional, almost rehearsed–like he was reciting facts rather than expressing genuine admiration. 

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“I’m aware of her capabilities.” Damien’s hand was now gripping my waist, his thumb pressing into my hip bone. “I’ve been… closely studying her strategies.” 

“I’m sure you have.” Lucas’s tone was pleasant, but his smile turned playful. He reached out, fingers brushing my bare arm as he gestured—but his eyes cut to Damien, gauging his reaction. Dr. Grant was telling me something at Noah’s party – I need to say that was quite an event.” His tone remained light, but I noticed the way his posture shifted slightly, becoming less calculated. 

“Working with her on all those games and activities… She’s really something. Smart, warm, incredible with kids.” 

“Does she?” I said carefully, watching as Lucas’s entire expression changed at the mention of Olivia’s name. His smile became genuine, reaching his eyes. The performative charm dropped away for just a moment. 

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“She does.” He glanced toward the bar again, his voice softening. “She mentioned you two have been through a lot together. That kind of loyalty is rare. She’s… she’s really something special, your friend.” 

“She is,” I agreed, biting back a smile. So that’s what this was about. 

“Anyway,” Lucas cleared his throat, the playful mask sliding back into place as he turned his attention back to me–or rather, back to provoking Damien. “I was hoping we could discuss potential collaboration sometime? Monroe Global and Hayes Tech have interesting synergies. Maybe over dinner? I know this great place downtown.” 

“She’s busy.” Damien’s voice cut through. 

Lucas finally looked at him, one eyebrow raised. “I wasn’t aware you spoke for Ms. Monroe’s 

schedule, Blackwood. She’s her own woman, isn’t 

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she?” 

“Perhaps.” I kept my tone professional, shooting Damien a warning look before turning back to Lucas with knowing eyes. “Email my assistant to schedule something, Lucas. Though something tells me you’d be more interested in discussing medical technology applications with Dr. Grant directly.” 

Lucas had the grace to look slightly caught, a real smile breaking through. “That obvious?” 

“Completely,” I said, with warmth in my voice now. “And she’s right over there, looking very lovely in navy, in case you were wondering.” 

His gaze immediately sought Olivia at the bar, and his expression transformed–the calculated charm vanishing, replaced by something genuine and almost nervous. “Yeah, I noticed.” 

“Then why are you over here bothering us?” Damien muttered. 

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Lucas grinned at him, unrepentant. “Because watching you squirm is entertaining, Blackwood. Plus,” he shrugged, “I’m building up courage. Dr. Grant is intimidating in the best way.” 

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